Microfluidic Flow Cell Carrier Element for Dry Reagent Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic flow cells face challenges in introducing dry substances without damaging sensitive components during the drying process and assembly, as the drying treatment can impair the dry reagents and require significant space, often affecting the hermetic sealing of channel areas.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic flow cell design where a dry substance is dried separately on a carrier element, which is then introduced into the flow cell during final assembly, allowing for smaller dimensions and minimizing exposure to harmful conditions, with the carrier element being detachably connected to the flow cell and featuring a structured surface for adhesion promotion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the dry substance is introduced into the flow cell during production and then dried, then the dry reagent can be integrated into the flow cell, but the drying process impairs the dry reagent and affects sensitive components mounted on the flow cell
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell system is divided into separate components: the flow cell body and the carrier element with dry reagent. The carrier element can be inserted into the flow cell after the dry reagent has already been dried and stabilized on the carrier, avoiding exposure to harmful drying conditions during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry reagent is dried and stabilized on the carrier element before being introduced into the flow cell. This preliminary drying action protects the reagent from damage during subsequent flow cell assembly and operation, as the reagent is already in its stable dry state.
2Quantity of substance
If the entire flow cell component is subjected to drying process, then the dry reagent can be formed, but a lot of space is occupied in the drying chamber and the drying treatment affects the flow cell components
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is segmented from the flow cell assembly. Only the carrier element with the reagent liquid is placed in the drying chamber, not the entire flow cell. This significantly reduces the volume required in the drying chamber while still achieving complete drying of the reagent.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element with reagent liquid is extracted as a separate component for drying, removing it from the context of the complete flow cell assembly. This allows drying to occur in a compact space and protects other flow cell components from exposure to drying conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the dry substance is introduced during final assembly, then the dry reagent can be added without damage, but the carrier element must be detachably connected to allow insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element is extracted as a separate, detachable component that can be inserted into the flow cell after manufacturing. This simple extraction approach allows the dry reagent to be protected during manufacturing while enabling easy final assembly, without requiring complex integration mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach prevents damage to flow cell components and reagents during drying and assembly, reduces space requirements, and ensures hermetic sealing, enabling easier production and operation of the flow cell with improved handling and fluid interaction.
Implementation Method 1
Coatings that promote adhesion of the dry substance to its carrier surface can advantageously remain limited to the carrier surface of the carrier element
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~3
Figure 4(a)~5(f)
Figure 6(a)~7(e)
AI summary
The invention relates to a microfluidic flow cell with a dry substance (5) arranged within the flow cell in a cavity (3) for interaction with a fluid located in the cavity (3). According to the invention, a passage (10) opens into the cavity (3), and a support element is provided which can be inserted into the passage (10) and has a support surface (13) bordering the cavity (3) for the dry substance (5).